Relatives of a St. Augustine teen killed in a tragic industrial accident in December are keeping the torch of his memory aflame with the creation of a new foundation.
Cooper Lyles’ family announced the formation of the Cooper Lyles Foundation this week in an emotional GoFundMe post that had nearly reached its $10,000 goal within a matter of days.
“In an effort to keep his memory alive, as well as to make some good come from this unimaginable loss, our family will be creating The Cooper Lyles Foundation,” the post stated.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the campaign had raised more than $7,500.
“Through charitable donations, as well as plans for an annual golf tournament, a lacrosse weekend camp, and other potential fundraisers, our family plans to honor Cooper by providing scholarships, in his name, to deserving St. Johns County high school students,” the post reads.
The soft-spoken former St. Augustine High School lacrosse standout passed after an accident at a paving supply company in St. Augustine on Dec. 2.
Lyles had been working at the facility to raise money before attending college and pursuing a career as an officer with the Florida Wildlife Commission.
“He planned to enroll at St. Johns in January, and when his friends graduated in May, they would go to UNF together in the fall,” the post said.
His sudden death — at only age 18 — devastated his close-knit family and community, with his memorial service drawing 500 mourners.
“To say he will be missed doesn’t even come close to describing our pain, grief, anger, disbelief, and loss,” Cooper’s kin said. “Our family is forever changed, and we struggle daily to breathe, to put one foot in front of the other, and go on. But, we do. Because Coop would want us to.”
